The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert regarding an outbreak of burkholderia stabilis (B. stabilis), which has been linked to the potential contamination of non-sterile alcohol-free skin cleansing wipes.
According to the UKHSA, B. stabilis has been recovered from several non-sterile alcohol-free skin cleansing wipes. This includes wipes used for tending wounds and those found in first aid kits.
Currently, there are 48 confirmed cases in the UK that have been linked to a B. stabilis outbreak, and one in the Republic of Ireland, found between 2018 to 2025.
The UKHSA released a National Patient Safety Alert to notify healthcare organisations - including NHS trusts and independent providers - about the outbreak.
“Health professionals should be aware that skin cleansing wipes not marked as ‘sterile’ may present risk,” reads the alert. “Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for cleaning of intravascular devices or for care of broken skin including wounds.”
“UKHSA is making recommendations to reinforce good practice to protect patients including those most at risk of significant health consequences from B.stabilis.”
What can healthcare providers do in the meantime?
While the outbreak is being monitored, the UKHSA has outlined four actions that must be taken to minimise the spread. These actions must be completed by 29 August. They are:
- In regards to intravascular access device care, make sure local guidance and practice reflects National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England. Non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are unsuitable for this.
- Ensure patients with intravascular devices know that they should only use wipes if told to by their clinical team, and to only use wipes provided or recommended by their clinical team.
- Community healthcare providers should communicate that patients should only use wipes marked as sterile on broken skin, such as wounds. They should also make sure that local guidance, practice and patient information reflects NHS guidance.
- NHS trusts and independent sector laboratories are requested to submit any isolate from a new infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex to the UKHSA AMRHAI reference laboratory. This includes any new isolations from cystic fibrosis patients.
Implementation of the alert should be taken up by an executive lead, or a person in an equivalent role.